Education

UMASD Achievements

UMASD, like schools across the nation, continues to face tremendous challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these unprecedented times, the District remained as dedicated as ever to providing exceptional instruction while supporting the emotional needs of its students and parents. UMASD’s teachers, staff, administrators, students and families demonstrated incredible flexibility, transitioning from virtual to in-person learning during the course of the academic year. A few of UMASD’s achievements as shared by teachers, staff and administrators:

• UMASD’s elementary schools adapted the Positive Behaviour Intervention Support Framework (PBIS) for a virtual learning environment. PBIS is an evidence-based approach to the development of a positive school culture that is built on the premise that behavioral expectations must be positively stated, clearly defined, taught directly and systematically reinforced.
• Caley Elementary celebrated its 8th year as a No Place for Hate school, an initiative developed by the Anti-Defamation League that creates inclusive school environments that celebrate diversity, promote respect for differences and challenge bias and bullying.
• Upper Merion Area Middle School’s STEM department partnered with Team Flight Control to offer Drone Camp. Three camps were offered to middle school students and four camps were offered to traditionally underrepresented groups in STEM, including African American students, LGBTQ+, English learners, and girls in STEM.
• During UMAHS College and Career Readiness Day, students in grades 9, 10, and 12 took part in virtual college and career readiness presentations, virtual college visits and resume building. Eleventh grade students were given optimal conditions to take the PSAT in a safe and calming environment with the ability to be eligible for National Merit Scholarships.
• The Operations Department completed numerous projects during the pandemic while focusing on the legacy elementary schools. Projects included painting all of the classrooms in the Middle School, Bridgeport, Candlebrook and Roberts as well as painting most of the other spaces in those buildings including the walls and columns in the hallways and cafeterias with festive accent colors. New cafeteria tables, window blinds, carpet were also installed in the legacy elementary schools. 
• Funding completed for the High School Project with Moody’s Aa1 Rating.